The Gambling Regulation Bill which will govern gambling in Ireland has come come into force this week. It's the first time the sector has been legislated for in this country and will establish the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland.
It will influence the implementation of regulations around gambling and levy fines on gambling companies that breach the new rules. Cavan Monaghan Fianna Fail TD, Deputy Niamh Smyth says she campaigned for the introduction of the legislation.
She added the new laws will ensure there are appropriate safeguards and measures put in place to protect people from problem gambling. "These new laws will ensure there are appropriate safeguards and measures put in place to protect people from problem gambling in terms of banning inducements and gambling on credit cards.
"A Social Impact Fund will be funded by contributions from gambling companies and this is an important step. Mandatory contributions will be taken from their level of turnover to fund this which will put in place educational measures and supports for problem gambling.
"We are also implementing important measures to protect children and there will be fines for gambling companies who allow children to access gambling or that entice children to gamble through advertising.
"Many people across Ireland gamble safely and within their means and enjoy it. But, there are people who become problem gamblers and this can have a heavy impact on them and their families. These new laws will put in place consumer protection measures in order to reduce problem gambling," conclude Deputy Smyth.
